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Japan visit to feature talks for chip, shipping investments

REUTERS/ISSEI KATO/FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it will pitch semiconductor and shipping companies to invest in the Philippines during a presidential visit to Japan on June 19-22.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. will also be meeting with Japanese companies

The First Lady, meanwhile, will make an appearance at an expo featuring designers Carlo Calma and Kenneth Cobonpue, Ms. Roque told reporters on the sidelines of the Solaia: The IT-BPM Awards late Wednesday.

“What the First Lady will do is, whatever the setup is there, we will bring it to Manila so that the Filipinos can have a look at what we have shown there,” she added.

She said the DTI has received expressions of interest from potential investors beforehand. “But we are going to meet them now with the president this time, so I hope (their commitments) will be more firm,” she added.

She said the Japan visit will also be used to follow up on the commitments the DTI received from Japanese investors earlier this year.

Last week, Ms. Roque said that she will sit down with the Board of Investments (BoI) to discuss its targets for the year following a slowdown in the first three months.

“The meeting went well. I also met with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to see how everything is progressing,” she said, noting that the investment promotion agencies (IPAs) have maintained their targets.

“Every year we have an investment approval target, and we are hoping that we can meet that, so we are really focused on that,” she added.

For 2025, the BoI and PEZA are hoping to obtain P1.75 trillion and P250 billion worth of investment pledges, respectively.

As of May, the BoI has approved P329.52 billion in investment pledges, while PEZA approved P66.34 billion.

Asked about her optimism regarding the targets, she said that the BoI and PEZA are banking on the impact of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act.

“We are optimistic because of the incentives under the CREATE MORE Act. They are calling us the Asian superstar now; we are not encountering any problems when we go abroad,” she added.

Last week, she said her meeting with the IPAs will serve to gauge the impact of US President Donald J. Trump’s reciprocal tariffs.

“We are hoping to stabilize things because exporters also want to know what is happening,” she said.

“But there is continuous negotiation between our people. At a higher level, there are no meetings set yet. But the talks are going as we have hoped,” she added.

In April, Mr. Trump imposed tariffs on most of its trading partners, with a 17% duty assigned to the Philippines. These have been put on hold until next month, pending the renegotiation of tariffs. Pending the new rates, most trading partners will be charged the 10% baseline rate. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Graduate pool keeps IT-BPM in ‘good shape’

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry will be sustained by the sheer volume of graduates coming into the job market, EY Global Delivery Services (GDS) Philippines said.

“We have over 600,000 graduates in the Philippines every year. And therefore, the IT-BPM industry is in very good shape,” EY GDS Philippines Location Leader Denchu Jose Decino on the sidelines of the Solaia: The IT-BPM Awards late Wednesday.

“You might see some scarcity of talent in specific areas here and there. But on aggregate, when you think about the number of students who are graduating each year and entering the workforce, I look at it from an abundance mentality standpoint,” he added.

EY GDS has been partnering with universities to increase the employability of their graduates.

“Those university partnerships are critical to our success for two things: we are able to help shape the curriculum of the school so that they are able to churn out graduates that are ready to enter the workforce, and at the same time, we are able to source candidates from them,” he added.

In the Philippines, the company currently employs 5,000 people in Manila and Cebu.

“Our aspiration is to continue to grow our footprint in Manila and Cebu and support the global EY network,” he said.

“We are definitely looking to hire more. In fact, right now, we are in need of technology candidates in the areas of ServiceNow, cybersecurity, and digital engineering. We are also hiring over 500 accountants,” he added.

On Wednesday, the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) named EY GDS Philippines as the technology company of the year at the Solaia 2025.

Meanwhile, Concentrix was named the BPM company of the year and recognized its efforts in regional development.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. received the global capability center of the year award, while Cognizant was named the healthcare information management services company of the year.

Diageo was recognized for its support for small and medium enterprises.

The IBPAP also recognized outstanding local government unit partners, which were Pasig City for the Metro Manila category and Bacolod City for the regional category.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo M. Angara was named the IT-BPM Luminary of the Year.

“The Solaia Awards celebrate meaningful progress — not just operational excellence, but bold ideas and inclusive leadership that are creating tangible opportunities for Filipinos,” according to Jonathan R. Madrid, IBPAP president and chief executive officer.

“This year’s honorees are proof that the future of the industry is in very capable hands,” he added.

During the event, Great Place To Work also awarded the top 30 best workplaces in the IT-BPM sector.

In order, these are Synchrony Global Services Philippines, Inc., Cisco, [24]7.ai Philippines, Navitaire Philippines, Accenture, Capital One Philippines, Aurecon, Insight Direct Philippines, LLC, Tech Mahindra Ltd., and 3M GSC Philippines.

Placing 11th to 20th are Visa, Atlassian, Inc., General Motors Philippines, TP, Carelon Global Solutions Philippines, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. Amadeus Philippines, Adidas Philippines, Inc., Etrading Software – Manila, and Connext.

From 21st to 30th are TTEC, Arcanys, Kollab, PSB Technology Services, Inc., STAFF X – Outsourcing & Offshoring, CoDev, NeoWork, Encora Philippines, Outposter, and One CoreDev IT, Inv. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Study finds Benham Bank on PHL Rise to be among richest coral ecosystems

OCEANA/UPLB/PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

BENHAM BANK, on the Philippine Rise, hosts one of the Philippines’ richest coral ecosystems, including important fish species, marine researchers said.

They cited the potential for Benham Bank coral to play a role in restoring damaged coral reefs elsewhere in the Philippines.

The bank, one of the several seamounts in the Philippine Rise, a continental shelf extension off the east coast of the Philippines, contains one of the richest mesophotic or deep coral ecosystems despite being on the track of typhoons, according to researchers from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute. 

The study cited the pristine state of Benham Bank’s reefscapes, with at least 11 hard coral genera of varying morphotypes, with four sites having excellent coral cover, 10 soft coral genera, at least four genera of seaweed, and some arborescent sponges.

The hard coral cover across the 50-80m depth range of Benham Bank was recorded at an overall mean of 30%, “being substantially higher than other tropical mesophotic coral ecosystems on isolated seamounts and those closer to mainland Philippines.”

Typically, live hard coral cover on mesophotic reefs is relatively poor, but the Benham Bank can “maintain high hard coral cover,” according to the study.

“Benham Bank is in a way resilient to physical and thermal stress. There is stratification or layers with different water properties, which perhaps protected the Benham Bank from the effects of stress,” according to Joey P. Cabasan, one of the researchers.

“The water at Benham Bank is very clear. Since there are no major sources of nutrients like large rivers, nutrients and chlorophyll in the water column are low, and light is able to penetrate to greater depths. This allows the corals and algae to thrive there,” according to fellow researcher Cesar L. Villanoy.

Benham Bank showed eight probable habitat types — macroalgae-dominated, octocoral-dominated, hard coral-dominated, hard coral and octocoral, turf algae and hard coral, turf algae-dominated, rocky, and sandy — that may need special protection via legislation.

Classifying the probable habitat types at the Benham Bank “could be helpful for legislators in properly zoning the area and determining which parts may be designated for protection, fishing, and other uses,” the researchers said.

Benham Bank, an underwater seamount taller than Mt. Apo. It is a three days’ travel by ship from the mainland Philippines.

The United Nations in 2012 declared Benham Rise as part of the Philippine continental shelf. In 2017, Manila renamed it the Philippine Rise and declared it a “protected food supply exclusive zone.”

The Philippine military last year flagged the loitering of Chinese research vessels in the area.

The researchers said during their fieldwork, they had seen traditional small-scale fisherfolk from Infanta, Quezon, working in the area.

Citing a 2014 survey, the study said Benham Bank, despite its depth, hosts more than 60 reef-associated fish species, many of which are commercially important food fish include large species of snappers, emperor breams, groupers, trevallies, and surgeon fishes.

It said the area also serves as an important breeding and nursery area for various tuna species and other commercially valuable fish.

Meanwhile, the study noted that Benham Bank is “affected by the North Equatorial Current, which potentially receives larvae from other Pacific islands,” Mr. Cabasan said.

The north equatorial current flows towards the northeast coast of the Philippines and splits northwards to form the Kuroshio or the Japan Current and southwards as the Mindanao Current, the researchers said.

“This current could mean that coral populations are connected, making coral reef recovery a possibility in mesophotic reefs with poor live hard coral cover.”

The research team, which underwent at least six months of preparations due to seasonal challenges such as monsoons, included various specialists, including marine biologists, oceanographers and geologists.

The team said since it was only able to study the Benham Bank area outside the monsoon season, “many recommendations can be made for further studies, such as exploring the potential seasonal variation in stratification.”

“A dedicated paper on the fish communities in the area can also provide a better picture of the ecological role Benham Bank plays,” it said.

The emerging threats at the Benham Bank, whether natural or manmade, must be studied to continue to preserve its “pristine state,” the team added, noting that only 5% of seamounts around the world are protected. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Speaker says Senate move to remand impeachment complaint concerning

VICE-PRESIDENT Sara Duterte-Carpio — OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said the Senate’s decision to return the impeachment complaint against Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio to the House of Representatives is “deeply concerning.”

“I rise not in defiance but with resolve, guided by duty, grounded in principle,” he said in a closing speech at the House plenary on Wednesday night. “The decision of the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, to return the articles of impeachment is deeply concerning.”

“The House of Representatives acted not out of haste, but with deliberate care. We followed the law, we honored our mandated and above all, we stood for what the Filipino people deserve,” he added.

Senators on Tuesday night voted to return the impeachment complaint back to the House to clarify its constitutionality, asking the lower chamber to certify that they lawfully crafted the ouster charges against Ms. Duterte, who was impeached without a hearing.

A likely contender to be the next president, Ms. Duterte, 47, was impeached in February by the House of Representatives.

She denies all the accusations, from budget anomalies to amassing unusual wealth and threatening the lives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., his wife and the Speaker.

Mr. Romualdez said it is the House’s duty to “uphold transparency, and to demand accountability without fear, without favor.” He added that they followed the law when impeaching the Vice-President.

More than 200 congressmen signed the impeachment complaint against the Vice-President.

Ms. Duterte’s impeachment is the culmination of a months-long feud with Mr. Marcos, following their falling out after his allies in the House launched an inquiry into her use of confidential and intelligence funds.

Presidents in the Philippines are limited to a single six-year term, and Mr. Marcos is expected to seek to maintain his political influence by anointing a successor.

The Speaker said the House would comply with the order of the impeachment court to ensure the process continues.

The House floor earlier adopted a resolution certifying that impeachment proceedings against Ms. Duterte “respectfully complied” with the Constitution, ahead of Mr. Romualdez’s speech.

House Resolution No. 2346 affirmed that the chamber adhered to procedural rules in the impeachment process when it voted to indict Ms. Duterte, according to a copy sent to reporters.

Congressmen also agreed via voice vote not to accept the Senate’s return of the impeachment complaint, as congressmen-prosecutors seek clarification on the Senate decision.

On Wednesday, Senate President Francis G. Escudero said the House has a duty to respond to the Senate’s questions.

“It is out of place for the House to not follow the impeachment court’s order,” he told reporters, noting that issues in the trial are unlike disagreeing provisions of Senate and House bills that could be ironed out in a bicameral conference committee.

“This is an order from the impeachment court that focuses on the prosecutor who is only a party to the case. The party and the court are not equal,” he added.

He said the impeachment court had given Ms. Duterte 10 days to respond, while the House will have five days to file its answer. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Another ship for PHL Navy launched by HD Hyundai in South Korea

THE LAUNCHING ceremony of the BRP Rajah Sulayman on June 11. — FACEBOOK.COM/ARMEDFORCESOFTHEPHILIPPINES

HD HYUNDAI Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. has launched another vessel for the Philippine Navy, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Thursday, as Manila expands its naval fleet amid growing tensions in the South China Sea.

Philippine military chief General Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. attended the BRP Rajah Sulayman’s launching ceremonies in Ulsan, South Korea on Wednesday, it said in a statement.

The 93-meter offshore patrol vessel is the lead ship of her class and will be the latest addition to the Philippine Navy’s fleet.

“The launch of… BRP Rajah Sulayman is not merely the unveiling of a new ship; it is a bold declaration of our commitment to maritime security and the defense of our sovereignty,” Mr. Brawner said in the statement.

The ship is the first of six offshore patrol vessels the Philippines ordered from South Korea under a P30-billion deal signed in 2022. It will undergo sea trials and weapon fittings and is expected to be delivered in March next year, according to South Korean Yonhap News Agency.

The offshore patrol vessels would be armed with a 76-milimeter main gun and two 33mm secondary decks, and can carry helicopters and drones on their deck, news website Naval News reported in 2022.

The Philippine Navy took delivery of the BRP Miguel Malvar during a ceremony at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales province on April 8. The vessel was also built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.

The Philippines has increasingly relied on South Korea as a key supplier of defense and military equipment, with the Defense department signing a contract with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. to build at least 10 naval ships.

Three missile frigates have been delivered so far.

Manila also recently signed a P39.8-billion contract with South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries for the purchase of 12 FA-50 fighter jets.

The Philippines is trying to counter China’s military presence in the region as it pushes back against Beijing’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. It has allotted about $35 billion for military upgrades over the next decade.

China claims nearly all of the mineral-rich waterbody based on 1940s nine-dash line map that overlaps with the exclusive waters of the Philippines and neighbors like Vietnam and Malaysia.

A United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 voided China’s sweeping claims for being illegal, a ruling that Beijing does not recognize. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Manila told to push navigation freedom at TAC meeting

REUTERS

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES should use its hosting next year of the 50th anniversary conference of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia to advance freedom of navigation and territorial integrity, according to a political analyst.

The country’s hosting of the conference and its chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) allow it to reaffirm its commitment to regional peace and stability, Josue Raphael J. Cortez, ASEAN Studies lecturer at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, said on Thursday.

Its chairmanship of the regional bloc and hosting of the event “hold great strategic significance,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat, noting that the country was among the main signatories of the treaty and one of the founding members of the bloc.

The TAC, he added, shows the bloc’s commitment to peace and stability, as well as adherence to international norms.

“This hosting of the TAC conference will further legitimize our role and strengthen our importance as among the primary key players in Southeast Asia and the developing world promoting public international law and other international norms,” Mr. Cortez said.

He said tensions in the South China Sea and the recent Thai-Cambodian border standoff, are a remainder of the treaty’s relevance.

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., during the 46th ASEAN Summit last month pushed a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea, warning that rising sea tensions and uncertainty threaten hard-won regional gains.

The sea remains one of the region’s flashpoints, as China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan assert their overlapping claims.

While ASEAN and China agreed on a Declaration of Conduct in 2002, progress toward a binding framework has been repeatedly delayed by legal, political and strategic differences.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has said the Philippines would host the TAC conference but has not yet announced the dates. The last TAC conference was held in Vientiane, Laos on July 24, 2016.

Discussions at the 2026 conference could center on how the treaty could evolve into a more robust framework for addressing regional issues without undermining the ASEAN way of consensus and neutrality, Mr. Cortez said.

Last amended in 2010, the TAC is ripe for modernization. With the rise of hybrid threats, including cyberwar and artificial intelligence (AI), the Philippines is pushing ASEAN to take the lead in formulating responding to emerging realities.

“There’s potential for a pan-ASEAN AI governance initiative to be embedded in the TAC’s future iterations,” Mr. Cortez said. “This shows that ASEAN isn’t just a diplomatic community of the past but a norm-setting force for the future.”

He added that the effort could align with a broader outreach to non-ASEAN stakeholders. The Philippines could explore engaging Gulf states and even China during concurrent ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council and ASEAN-China meetings, he added.

“If we’re able to do that under our chairmanship, it will be a milestone, a demonstration that the Philippines can serve as an amalgamating force in the region,” the ASEAN expert said. “It would reinforce ASEAN’s potential to evolve into a normative power akin to the European Union.”

He also said the TAC conference could serve as a forum for ASEAN to articulate a more cohesive position on neutrality amid the intensifying US-China rivalry.

“There’s a growing risk of armed conflict between great powers in our neighborhood,” he said. “The Philippines can lead discussions on how ASEAN can safeguard its collective interests should such a scenario unfold.”

The regional bloc maintained a nonretaliatory stance against the unilateral tariffs imposed by the US in April.

Mr. Cortez said any proposed updates to the TAC should be rooted in its original principles of noninterference, peaceful dispute settlement and regional cooperation.

Marcos calls for unity, accountability and vigilance against threats to freedom

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., joined by the First Family and government officials, watched the festival and grand float parade during the 127th Independence Day celebration at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Thursday. — PPA POOL/NOEL B. PABALATE

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Thursday marked the 127th anniversary of the Philippines’ declaration of independence with a call for national unity, responsible governance, and vigilance against misinformation and complacency that threaten the country’s freedom.

Speaking before government officials, foreign diplomats, and hundreds of citizens gathered at the Quirino Grandstand in the capital city of Manila, Mr. Marcos paid tribute to Filipino heroes who fought for independence, underscoring their sacrifices as the foundation of the modern republic.

“From their sacrifice, the Republic of the Philippines slowly emerged,” Mr. Marcos said in Filipino. “But even in the early years of our history, we faced the challenges of world wars, the oil crisis, and globalization. Still, our country grew stronger and more united — tempered by fire, sacrifice, and tears.”

The President said that freedom must be actively defended and nurtured, citing the dangers of apathy, poor governance, and disinformation.

He pledged to hold not only abusive public servants accountable, but also those who fail in their duties. He pointed to everyday hardships, such as rising food costs, damaged infrastructure, and power shortages, as issues the government must urgently address to ensure Filipinos genuinely feel the benefits of freedom.

Meanwhile, in Kawit, Cavite — where the Philippine flag was first raised and independence proclaimed in 1898 — Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo led a commemoration at the Aguinaldo Shrine, calling on Filipinos to reflect on how they are using the liberty won by the country’s heroes.

The chief magistrate said that the revolution was driven not by ambition, but by a deep understanding of the injustices suffered by Filipinos under colonial rule. He warned that the true enemies of freedom today lie within corruption, indifference, and abuse of power.

“Today, most of us are not called to risk our lives in war — but we are called to dedicate ourselves to serving those in need,” he said in Filipino, according to a transcript from the Supreme Court. “Freedom is not a prize for finished effort — it is a goal we strengthen every day.”

He echoed Mr. Marcos’ call for civic responsibility, urging citizens to protect rights, uphold truth, and reject self-interest in favor of the common good.

Quoting former President Manuel L. Quezon, Mr. Gesmundo noted the value of self-governance, even if flawed, over foreign domination.

The Philippines marks its Independence Day every June 12 to commemorate its 1898 declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule. Celebrations are held nationwide, with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and tributes to national heroes.

Meanwhile, American Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended his greetings to the Philippines, highlighting the two countries’ “steadfast friendship.”

In a statement, Mr. Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty.

“As we work together to uphold international law in the South China Sea, the United States remains unwavering in its ironclad commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty,” he added.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region and follows increased bilateral defense activities between the allies despite economic shocks brought by US President Donald J. Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Senate blamed for wage bill death

BW FILE PHOTO

A HOUSE of Representatives official said on Thursday that the Senate’s refusal to convene a bicameral conference committee prevented lawmakers from reconciling differences on wage hike bills before the congressional session ended.

In a statement, House Spokeswoman Priscilla Marie “Princess” T. Abante said that senators refused to meet their counterparts in a bicameral conference committee to resolve differences over wage hike amounts.

The Senate approved a P100 minimum wage hike for private-sector workers last year, while the House pushed for a P200 increase.

“Let’s not sugarcoat it — the Senate killed the P200 wage hike bill,” she said in mixed English and Filipino. “The Senate refused to negotiate. They just want their P100 proposal to be accepted.”

“We were ready to deliberate. We came in good faith. But what the Senate gave us was a take-it-or-leave-it ultimatum,” she added.

The Philippine Congress adjourned on Wednesday without giving the final approval for the proposal to hike the minimum daily wage by P100-P200, after economic managers warned of its “dangerous repercussions” on the Philippine economy. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

June 24 a holiday in City of Manila

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR. — PCO.GOV.PH

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. declared June 24 a special non-working day in Manila in celebration of the capital city’s 454th founding anniversary.

The declaration was made through Proclamation No. 925, signed on Wednesday by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on behalf of the President.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Manila be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,” it read.

Originally named Maynilad, derived from the nilad plant, the city was founded on June 24, 1571, during the Spanish colonial era.

Special non-working holidays in the country allow employees who will render work to receive an additional 30% on top of their regular rate for the first eight hours. If they work overtime, they are paid an additional 30% of their hourly rate, according to the Department of Labor and Employment.

While non-working employees adhere to the “no work, no pay” principle.

The capital city is home to historic landmarks like the walled city of Intramuros and Rizal Park, government institutions, and a diverse population that reflects the heart of the Philippines.

According to the 2020 census of the Philippine Statistics Authority, 1.85 million Filipinos call Manila City home. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Executive labor committee eyed

Workers are seen at a construction site along Commonwealth Ave in Quezon City, Jan. 30, 2025. — PHILIPPINE STAR/NOEL B. PABALATE

A PHILIPPINE Senator on Thursday said that he is pushing for the creation of an executive body that would pursue living wages and further worker protection.

“This body will convene representatives from Congress, the Executive branch, Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), trade and industry, and the labor sector, including the migrant and informal sectors, to collectively pursue a sustainable solution to the living wage issue,” Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano said in a statement.

Mr. Cayetano said that an Executive-Legislative Labor Commission (LabCom) would act as the country’s main policy advisory and coordination body for labor concern.

“LabCom will provide a comprehensive look at what the real wage should be, a living wage towards the society that we aspire for, taking into account the actual expenses of a family for education, health, housing, and public utilities, including internet connection, among others,” he said.

It would focus on wage adequacy, underemployment, skills mismatch, and protection for informal workers, with the primary objective of enhancing the right to living wage of the employment sector.

He added that the commission would also draft a National Labor Roadmap that would ensure living wage and submit recommendations to the President, Congress, and the council that implements the government’s 10-year jobs plan.

“Not only will this bring us closer to realizing the just and humane society envisioned by our Constitution, it will also help end the endless stream of Filipinos who are forced to leave their homes and families for what they hope would be greener economic pastures continue,” he said.

Mr. Cayetano added that the legislative council would be similar to Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM), which brought together government and private stakeholders to draft policies to bolster the education sector.

He had previously filed Senate Bill No. 3007, the Executive-Legislative Labor Commission Act to establish the commission, this was co-authored by Senators Pia S. Cayetano and Francis G. Escudero. — Adrian H. Halili

PAGCOR donates P16-M ambulances

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE PHILIPPINE Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has turned over P16 million worth of ambulances to eight local government units.

In a statement on Thursday, PAGCOR said the beneficiaries are San Mateo in Isabela province and Pola in Oriental Mindoro. This also includes municipalities of Dumaran, Brooke’s Point, Magsaysay, and Coron in Palawan.

The officials and representatives from the recipient LGUs were present to the PAGCOR Corporate Office in Pasay City to receive the patient transport vehicles on June 10.

“Each vehicle is equipped with essential emergency medical features including a GPS navigation system, ambulance stretcher, oxygen supply, wheelchair, and first aid kit,” the state-run firm said.

PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco said the vehicles are intended to respond to medical emergencies, especially those municipalities with limited access to hospitals and specialized care.

“Through these vehicles, we help ensure that people living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas can receive timely medical care,” he said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Gov’t monitoring ‘earthquake swarm’ in North Luzon

BAGUIO CITY — The recent earthquake swarm over the borders of Isabela, Ifugao, and Mountain Province is closely being monitored.

The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) have deployed a Quick Response Team (QRT) composed of technical personnel from the Callao and Palayan Seismic Stations, along with staff from Phivolcs Main Office to conduct scientific monitoring.

At least 416 tremors have occurred since June 1, 10:08 p.m., near the boundaries of Isabela, Ifugao and Mountain Province.

The team installed portable seismic stations in strategic locations to augment the existing DoST-Phivolcs earthquake monitoring network.

The additional stations help improve the accuracy of data on the location, magnitude, and characteristics of the earthquake swarm, Phivolcs added. “This data is crucial for scientific analysis and for informing communities about the nature and potential impacts of the ongoing earthquake swarm.”

The DoST-Phivolcs is also working closely with local government units (LGUs) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) by conducting briefings and discussions to strengthen local preparedness and ensure timely, accurate dissemination of information.

An “earthquake swarm” involves successive tremors occurring in a short period because of active fault movements, according to Phivolcs.

Phivolcs also said at least 135 among the 416 jolts were plotted from 1.2-3.6 magnitude and had a depth of up to 39 kilometers.

The DoST-Phivolcs QRT has also distributed information materials and conducted awareness campaigns about earthquake safety and risk reduction. — Artemio A. Dumlao

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